Though much in life isn’t free, there are exceptions when it comes to software. Open-source programs, for instance, are typically provided at no cost. These utilities are created and updated through shared efforts. Therefore, people with the technical know-how can modify these programs to fit their requirements.
That said, not every cost-free software is open-source. Some editions of paid software, excluding certain advanced characteristics, are also free. Regardless, a minima or no cost software is a great alternative for those who need to curb spending or are on a tight budget.
Before you begin downloading, a few words of caution. Whether you’re seeking software for your personal computer or laptop, download from trustworthy sources only. Opt for the company that created or published the software in question rather than a third party who might include unwanted additions.
Similarly, for Android programs, particularly those not sourced from the official Play Store, read the small print to know what data the application shares about you or your work. Oftentimes, ‘free’ comes with unseen costs – preferably not at the expense of your confidential data.
As far as securing our equipment is concerned, considering the amount of data they hold, it’s crucial. But does that equate to an expensive bill? Not necessarily.
Take antivirus software for instance. It’s been a long while since I shelled out money for one. This is due to the fact that there’s a myriad of basic, cost-free solutions that provide ample protection from viruses and malicious software.
Once upon a time, names like McAfee and Norton were synonymous with antivirus security for Windows devices. They then expanded their offerings to include mobile platform security.
However, is it a must to pay for these protections? The answer hinges on what you’re after. If all you require is basic virus and malware prevention, you need not pay a yearly or monthly charge. There are numerous options that safeguard you from the internet’s worst at no cost. Windows Defender, for instance, serves as a robust first line of defence against viruses and unwanted malware. It comes built-in with the Windows operating system.
On top of that, there are other free options like Avast and AVG, which scan your system using an up-to-date database.
Considering options such as identity safeguarding, virtual private networks, and dark web surveillance could make the subscription costs worthwhile, if you’re desirous of advanced features.
With reference to safeguarding your identity, it is key to secure all your online services to the maximum extent. However, the demand for unique passwords for various services often makes it challenging to remember all. This is where password management software comes in handy. This software does not just store your passwords in a safe manner, but also aids you in generating distinctive log-ins for every service. Even though it may seem illogical to keep all your passwords in a single spot, it actually implies that you need to remember only one potent password and let the password manager care for the rest.
Several commendable password managers such as 1Password, Dashlane and NordPass are available in the market. Yet, all of them require subscription, work only on a particular device at a time, or provide a free version that is restricted to particular number of passwords. On the bright side, Bitwarden, a gratis password manager exists. Though it doesn’t have the sharpest of user interfaces, Bitwarden ensures easy password creation and storage, compatibility with all platforms, along with the capacity to store unlimited passwords.
A virtual private network (VPN) has multiple uses. They can bypass geoblocks for specific content, making it seem like you are accessing from a different country. Moreover, they can shield your internet activities from unwanted attention, throwing a spanner in the works for advertisers who try to gather your data and build a profile for targeted advertising. Usually, this comes with a fee. Proton VPN offers two plans – a paid one for those desirous of using the VPN on more than one device and a free one for those who choose not to pay. Interestingly, Proton doesn’t bombard you with ads to generate revenue, nor does it infringe your privacy. It is available for Android, iOS and Windows.
In terms of productivity tools, the era of buying software packages that can be installed only on one computer is practically over. Nowadays, if you opt to pay for productivity software, it’s likely to be a subscription service based in the cloud, like Microsoft 365. The advantage is that you can use it online from different computers.
Aside from popular options, there are other options available for productivity software. One such alternative is Google’s productivity suite, comprising Docs, Sheets, and Slides, and it’s accessible at no cost. While it operates on the cloud, it allows for offline creation of spreadsheets and documents if internet access is absent or not desired.
For those who prefer more open-source choices, LibreOffice is worth considering. This software package, successor to OpenOffice, can be used for all basic productivity tasks, such as word processing and database management. It caters to Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android users.
Apple’s productivity suite, inclusive of Pages, Numbers, and Keynote, can be downloaded for free when an Apple device like a Mac, iPhone, or iPad is purchased. Until the close of 2013, this wasn’t the case – Apple used to charge a fee.
On the creative side, there are several programs that offer similar features to Adobe but come without the considerable price tag. GIMP, the GNU Image Manipulation Program, boasts features akin to Photoshop and can be used for image editing tasks such as photo retouching and image composition. It’s available on Windows, Linux, and Mac platforms. However, mastering it requires some resilience.
In the sphere of graphic design, particularly when making vector graphics, Inkscape is a strong choice. Available on Windows, Mac, and Linux, it has a learning curve to navigate but offers unlimited graphic creation with no watermarking, convoluted log-ins, or burdensome terms and conditions to agree on once you’re accustomed to it.